sc-seeks-gujarat-govt-s-response-on-asaram-bapu-s-plea

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Gujarat government regarding the plea of self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu. He is seeking the suspension of his life imprisonment sentence, which was imposed by a trial court in connection with a rape case.

 

The plea was presented before a Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar. The Court has directed the Gujarat government to respond within three weeks.

 

The Bench clarified that it would only consider the plea for Asaram’s interim release if there are medical grounds to justify his request. The Court’s primary concern is whether Asaram’s medical condition warrants his temporary release from jail, particularly due to the health issues he has raised.

 

Asaram’s counsel argued that the godman is suffering from severe medical conditions, including multiple blockages, and claimed that he needs to be in a temperature-controlled room during winter.

 

The lawyer expressed concern that failing to accommodate these medical needs could result in serious harm to Asaram’s health. However, the Bench pointed out that in the past, Asaram had refused medical treatment and insisted on receiving care at a hospital of his choosing.

 

This case stems from a conviction in January 2023, when a Gandhinagar sessions court found Asaram guilty of rape under several sections of the Indian Penal Code.

 

The case involves a 2013 incident in which Asaram was accused of raping a female disciple at his ashram in Surat, Gujarat. Following the conviction, Asaram appealed the verdict.

 

In August, the Gujarat High Court heard the appeal and decided not to suspend his sentence. Consequently, Asaram approached the Supreme Court seeking interim release on medical grounds.

 

The notice issued by the Supreme Court will allow the Gujarat government time to respond to Asaram's plea. If the Court determines that medical reasons are sufficient, it may grant a temporary suspension of his sentence.

 

However, the case remains focused on whether his medical condition justifies such a move, given the earlier concerns raised regarding his refusal to accept prescribed treatments.